Scorpion and Sub-Zero's Rivalry Will Be "Very Essential" to 'Mortal Kombat 2'

Mortal Kombat 2is set to arrive in theaters in the fall, and with it will come the resumption of hostilities between two ancient warriors in Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, 2021’sMortal Kombatlive-action reboot first introducedHiroyuki Sanadaas Hanzo Hasashi, a warrior in feudal Japan who was killed by a rival clan member, Bi-Han (Sub-Zero). Both were of the Shirai Ryu clan. Bi-Han is embodied byJoe Taslim, and after Hanzo’s death, he is transformed into Scorpion in the Netherrealm, where his vengeance is still kindled against Taslim’s Sub-Zero.

AsMortal Kombat2draws ever closer to a premiere, there arise questions regarding how that ancient rivalry will feature in the upcoming sequel.Mortal Kombatco-creatorEd Boon, while speaking toEntertainment Weekly, discussed Scorpion’s return, and teases what to expect from the character in the sequel. One of the key hints offered by Boon suggests that Sanada’s Scorpion will not be part of the core team battlingMartyn Ford’s Shao Kahn. Boon’s comments read:

“He’s certainly making appearances that are significant and necessary for the progress of other storylines. He plays a different role. He’s not part of the ‘Super Friends’ trying to defeat Shao Kahn, but his appearance is key and it is very essential for certain parts.”

Scorpion and Sub-Zero Are Still Vital to ‘Mortal Kombat 2’

Taking Boon’s comments into account and in conjunction with what we already know aboutMortal Kombat 2’s lineup, it is understandable that Scorpion’s screentime is somewhat reduced. With the introduction of the necromancerQuan Chi (Damon Herriman),Princess Kitana (Adeline Rudolph),Karl Urban’s Johnny Cage, Jade, Queen Sindel among others, there are several interest arcs for the story to follow. However, Scorpion and Sub-Zero, or should the sequel follow the character’s in-game resurrection arc - Noob Saibot, are an iconic rivalry that should by no means be cast to one side. So recognisable are the characters, that their relegation to the background might harm the upcoming sequel.

One of the pieces of theMortal Kombatlore missing in the 2021 adaptation was the iconic tournament.Mortal Kombat 2will be incorporating the tournament into the stroryline for the upcoming sequel. The introduction of Shao Kahn will be vital, as the battle for who controls EarthRealm is determined. Speakingon the significance of the tournament in the sequel, Boon revealed previously, “They keep score throughout the movie. There’s a visual representation of who is winning…. It’s not just a tournament for the sake of a tournament,” he says. Adding, “There are huge consequences, so you really are keeping score. And there are a lot of twists in it that keep you on your toes.”